Stand-up comedian, event MC, and motivational speaker (customizable from 20 minutes to 60 minutes).
Corporate events, gala dinners, cultural festivals, conferences, and audiences seeking sharp, multilingual comedy.
Eugene Khoza is a Johannesburg-based comedian, presenter, and motivational speaker best known for his quick wit, multilingual delivery, and ability to connect with audiences across cultural lines. Born and raised in Pretoria, Eugene built his reputation on the South African comedy circuit, where his observational humor and fearless stage presence won him fans nationwide.
His breakthrough came when he reached the semi-finals of Laugh Out Loud on M-Net and won the Ricoffy Comedy Challenge in the same year. Since then, Eugene has performed at major showcases such as Blacks Only, Heavyweight Comedy Jam, and Arts Alive 2007. He also hosted the popular Horror Café Comedy Night for a year, solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer who can entertain both intimate crowds and packed auditoriums.
Beyond stand-up, Eugene co-hosted Countdown 2010 on SABC1 and became a popular voice on YFM radio. More recently, he launched the podcast Single Minded with Eugene Khoza, featuring global guests including Carole Baskin, DJ Flula, Alec Sulkin, and Michael Kosta. Whether on stage, on screen, or on air, Eugene’s humor reflects both the absurdities and the beauty of South African life.
Eugene Khoza is a South African comedian and television presenter best known for co-hosting (with Fezile Makhanya and Lebo Motsoeli) the SABC1 sports magazine show Countdown 2010, from 2008-2010.
Born and bred in the Pretoria area, Eugene has advanced in the world of local comedy and can now be found performing all over the country. His growing ethnic fan base has been accredited to his multilingual delivery and his understanding of cultures and being able to engage them all on a humorous level.
It is this ability that took him from performing open spots to hosting the popular Horror Café Comedy Night for a year.
His rise in the comedy ranks began when he made the semi-finals of M-Net’s Laugh Out Loud comedy competition and in the same year won the Ricoffy Comedy Challenge.
Those achievements led to Eugene Khoza being put on the line-up for Arts Alive 2007, as well as two of the country’s biggest comedy shows: Blacks Only and the Heavyweight Comedy Jam.
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In this nearly hour-long interview, Eugene Khoza shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through the challenges and triumphs that have shaped both his career and his outlook on life. Known for his sharp comedy and fearless stage presence, Eugene opens up about the difficult chapters he has faced — from personal setbacks to professional hurdles — and how these experiences influenced his craft.
The discussion moves beyond stand-up, exploring themes of resilience, reinvention, and authenticity. Eugene reflects on the pressure of public life, the weight of expectations, and the process of rediscovering joy in what he loves most: making people laugh. His candid honesty balances with his natural humor, offering moments of levity even as he addresses serious topics.
Throughout the conversation, Eugene emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with passion, finding balance, and embracing vulnerability as a strength. He shares anecdotes from his early career, lessons learned from the South African comedy scene, and insights gained from global collaborations through his podcast.
The interview is both inspiring and entertaining, showcasing Eugene not only as a comedian but as a thoughtful storyteller and mentor figure. For audiences, it’s an invitation to reflect on their own journeys while appreciating the resilience it takes to fall back in love with one’s purpose.
00:00–03:30 Introduction and early reflections on comedy journey
03:31–10:15 Facing personal and professional setbacks
10:16–18:00 Lessons from navigating life’s most difficult chapters
18:01–25:00 Comedy as therapy and the role of humor in healing
25:01–33:30 Reconnecting with passion and rediscovering purpose
33:31–41:00 Stories from the South African comedy scene and global collaborations
41:01–48:30 Vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of authenticity
48:31–54:36 Closing reflections: falling back in love with comedy and looking ahead
In this extended podcast conversation, Trevor Noah and Eugene Khoza share an intimate and often hilarious dialogue about comedy, culture, and the personal journeys that shaped them both. As longtime friends and collaborators, the chemistry between the two is evident, making the discussion feel both deeply personal and universally engaging.
The conversation covers Eugene’s early career in South African comedy, his experiences navigating fame, and the personal battles that pushed him to step back and later return to the craft he loves. Trevor and Eugene trade stories about the South African comedy scene, highlighting the challenges of being authentic while appealing to diverse audiences.
Themes of resilience, identity, and friendship run throughout the interview. Eugene reflects on difficult life chapters, his rediscovery of passion for comedy, and the broader lessons learned from vulnerability and perseverance. Trevor adds his perspective as an international comedian, contextualizing Eugene’s journey within a global landscape.
Balancing humor with heartfelt reflection, the episode gives listeners rare insight into the human side of comedy. Eugene’s razor-sharp wit shines through, but so does his thoughtfulness and honesty about life beyond the stage. For audiences, the conversation is equal parts laughter, reflection, and inspiration.
00:00–05:00 Introduction: Trevor Noah on his friendship with Eugene Khoza
05:01–18:30 Eugene’s early comedy journey and first big breaks
18:31–32:00 Navigating fame, cultural identity, and audience expectations
32:01–47:00 Challenges, setbacks, and resilience in life and career
47:01–1:03:00 Rediscovering passion and redefining success
1:03:01–1:18:00 Stories from the South African and international comedy scenes
1:18:01–1:35:00 The role of vulnerability and authenticity in creative work
1:35:01–1:52:00 Closing reflections: friendship, legacy, and the future of comedy
Yes, Eugene is known for his multilingual humor that connects across cultural boundaries.
Absolutely. He tailors material to align with company values, themes, and event tone.
Comedy sets (20–60 minutes), MC services, and motivational keynotes.
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